Roundwood Park, an impressive 373ac estate in Co Wicklow with an equally impressive list of previous owners, sold by private treaty recently.

In a deal concluded by Celia Lamb of Ganly Walters, it is believed a price close to the guide of €5.5m was paid for the property by a Northern Irish businessman.

Among the former owners of Roundwood Park was the second President of Ireland, Seán T Ó Ceallaigh, and it was also the home of billionaire English-Canadian businessman Galen Weston.

Most recently a company associated with developer Johnny Ronan owned the property until the receiver, PWC, instructed that it be sold.

It is believed the development company intended to build a luxury hotel and golf course on the property.

In 1983 the estate became the scene of a shoot-out between Gardai and the Provisional IRA when a Provo gang occupied the house intending to kidnap Galen Weston.

Acting on a tip-off, the Special Branch struck first and after an exchange of fire the would-be kidnappers were overpowered and arrested.

Grassland

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Roundwood Park consists of an 18th Century-style country house on 373ac of grass and forestry. More than two thirds of the acreage is grassland laid out over a number of fields suitable for a range of agricultural uses.

An extensive range of traditional and dated farm buildings and outhouses are located to the rear of the house.

The residence is a fine stately home that requires some considerable renovation. The accommodation includes a spacious hallway, imposing drawing and sitting rooms, a boot room, a utility room and five ensuite bedrooms.

Other residential units on the property include a four-bedroom courtyard cottage with a kitchen and sitting room. There is also a two-roomed gate lodge at the entrance to the estate.

"We were delighted with the sale," Ms Lamb said. "It is a beautiful, historic property and it is great to see it occupied again."